In this paper, a 2-layer eWLB (embedded Wafer-Level BGA) is studied and its performance is compared with an equivalent 4-layer laminate package. Since eWLB package is processed by using lithographical method, design rules on width (W) and spacing (S) are much finer (usually 2–3 times finer) than those for laminate package. In other words, signal traces can be implemented in smaller fan-out regions. The smaller feature sizes for signal traces would end up with more metal loss per unit length. But as the signal traces can be implemented in smaller fan-out regions, overall trace-routing may be shorter, and equivalent insertion-loss may be achieved. In eWLB, the ground plane is closer to the signal traces. This actually helps to reduce cross-talk between wide I/O buses, as the electrical field is contained in a smaller region by the closer ground plane. Another key advantage from wafer-level package is a smoother metal surface, which greatly reduces the extra signal loss, due to surface-roughness effect, especially for higher-frequency and higher-speed applications. In addition, through-via structures for wafer-level package are typically 2–3 times smaller. This allows to implement power/ground planes in a more continuous way, achieving better resistance and inductance for power/ground nets. Overall electrical performance, which takes into account of all the impacts above, can be evaluated by signal-integrity analysis (E-diagram). Measurement data of a 2-layer eWLB package for a LPDDR application will be presented, which shows the comparable performance typically obtained from a 4-layer laminate package
Research of High-Speed Circuit Power-Ground Plane Modeling on the Basis of Vector Fitting Algorithm
